Seligman discusses police, maintenance issues

Tuesday, August 30, 2011By Lindsay Reed

The Seligman City Council discussed several police and maintenance department issues at its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 8.

Police Chief Randy Kalbaugh offered to replace Shayn Jermain, maintenance supervisor, as the city's code enforcement officer. Jermain is moving from the area. The council accepted Kalbaugh's offer and agreed to pay him $100 per month for the extra duty.

Kalbaugh reported that he has started collecting funds for Seligman's Shop With a Cop program, which will provide selected children with presents at Christmas. He is also working on a child identification program that will be available to local parents.

After reviewing the July police department report, the aldermen voted to purchase a laptop computer for the city's police vehicle to assist officers in finding locations. The expenditure should be less that $450.

The council voted to utilize Alex Stimson and Mike Moore, reserve officers, as part-time officers. They will be paid $10 per hour. Officers Terry Burgess, Terry Meek, Dave Ruark and Mike DeWitt will be removed from probationary status and receive a 50-cent-per-hour raise.

The aldermen also reviewed the July maintenance report and voted to accept the resignation of Jermain. The council stated that the city will provide Jermain with a good letter of recommendation.

Alderman Latisha Pippin reported that she reviewed the job applications that have been received and selected six candidates for interviews. After discussion, the council voted to hire two full-time maintenance employees at $9 per hour. The new employees will be placed on a 30- to 90-day probationary status and must pass a background check and drug test.

In other business, the Seligman City Council:

* Approved a $100 expenditure for graphics that will be placed on the police department's Explorer.

* Appointed Dustin Mabry to serve as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

* Voted to purchase computer desks, monitors, task chairs, a computer system, a printer/fax/scanner/copier machine and cables and supplies for the Seligman Library. The total cost for the items will be $1,298.61.

* Heard that all of the property owners at the Meadow Lane Subdivision have signed the city's petition for annexation. A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.

* Voted to keep the 2011 tax rate at 0.2173 for general revenue and 0.1668 for streets.

* Accepted a $100 bid for the city's old video camera system.

* Approved a resolution for the voluntary annexation of property located at 7537 Jefferson St.